The Artist
Frances England, a mom and musician living in San Francisco, recorded her first CD for kids, 2006's Fascinating Creatures, as a fundraiser for her son's preschool. After word-of-mouth and internet buzz made the CD a critically-acclaimed smash, England decided to continue her career in kids' music, resulting in the equally brilliant follow up Family Tree.The Music
The songs on Family Tree are simple, elegant, down to earth, thoughtful, fun, sweet, and doggone sing-a-longable! The wordless choruses of "Animal Inside You" and the title tune really draw the listener in, while "Free to Be Me" could (and should) be an indie rock hit.
The rockin' "I Scream, You Scream" promotes everyone's favorite park treat with lines like "Put down your cell phone / Replace it with an ice cream cone," and the equally energetic "Up a Tree" celebrates the sanctuary of a leafy retreat.
The exuberance of those songs is peacefully balanced by beautiful tunes like "Spring has Sprung," "Best Friends," and "You & Me." The community spirit of the current kids' music world is evidenced on Family Tree by musical contributions from Dog On Fleas' Dean Jones and The Jellydots' Doug Snyder.
Kids' Songs For and About Kids
England's songs about family, friendship, love, respect, nature, freedom, empowerment, and an appreciation for the small things in our everyday lives are written for kids, about kids. She doesn't write above their heads, nor does she write beneath their dignity. The most perfect family CD of 2008.
Released May 20, 2008; Paper Bird Records
